Can a jain person worship of marwadi gods like rani sati? Or any hindu gods?
Short answer: A Jain should not worship Hindu gods (like Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, etc.) as objects of spiritual worship. The Jain path centers on the Tirthankaras (enlightened teachers) and liberated souls. Some Hindus deities may be shown respect in cultural or social contexts, but they are not the focus of Jain worship or the means to spiritual progress.
Key points to understand:
- Primary worship in Jainism is of the Tirthankaras and Siddhas, not of Hindu gods.
- In many Jain communities, deities like Lakshmi or Saraswati may be respected in a cultural sense, but this does not replace the central goal of following the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
- Practices can vary by region and tradition, but both Digambar and Shwetambar lines emphasize the same core: liberation through right conduct, non-violence, and spiritual discipline.